We recently went to a big fiesta at Olvera Street (the original street of Los Angeles) which is now a tourist attraction. The fiesta was a festival of molé. It was kind of like a chili cookoff but for molé (if you aren't familiar with molé - it's a type of sauce). Each area of Mexico has their own version. We wandered around the booths and looked at the various wares. And then I spied a booth that was selling teeny-tiny books.
I found a wonderful little Peruvian cookbook which really caught my eye since I've spent some time in Peru and I'm always looking for recipes from there. And here were all the recipes contained in this teeny tiny book which I couldn't resist.
Here it is:
This recipe is for Palta Rellena (stuffed avocado). I've paraphrased it a little with apologies to the publisher.
1 large avocado
1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken
1 carrot,
1 small potato
1 medium onion
1/2 cup peas
parsley, vinegar, oil and salt
Cook the carrot, potatoes, and peas. Cut the carrot and
potatoes into small cubes. Mix with the
chicken. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Peel.
Season the vegetable mixture with the vinegar, oil and salt and
stuff in the avocado halves. Top with chopped onion.
Garnish with the peas and parsley.
If you'd like to order one of these darling little books here's
their website:
www.minibooks.com.pe
They also have lots of children's books. Wouldn't you have loved
these tiny books when you were little?
More photos from Olvera Street:
The one disappointment of the day, we didn't get a chance to try any molé. It was late in the day and everyone was sold out. Maybe next year!
The little cookbooks are fabulous. I haven't been to Olvera street for years - it looks pretty good in the pictures. Sounds like you two are really getting around and having so much fun. Too bad about the mole, maybe next time.
ReplyDeleteI had to stop by and visit your other blog. I share your love of Peruvian cooking. I think I need to keep my eyes out for a Peruvian cookbook. We have a good (an extremely popular) Peruvian restaurant here in Portland by the name of Andina. I never got to excited about Quinoa until I ate it there. So, now I'm trying it at home, but without a real recipe. It's so nutritious!
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by the blog. Funny, I just bought a package of quinoa at a local farmers market - it's kind of a kit with some Spanish seasonings. can't wait to try it. hope it will be as good as what you had at the Peruvian restaurant.
Nancy
When I was in elementary school, one of the field trips was to visit Olvera Street. That is my earliest memory. My father took us down there a few times as well. He was into the history of California. I haven't seen it in years but I recognize it when it shows up in the occasional tv show or film. I would love to taste one of the moles. Did you get a good recipe and, if so, would you print it?
ReplyDelete